Next iPhone software update to deliver Safari, App Store tweaks

Apple last week began testing iPhone Software v2.2 beta 1, the next software update for the iPhone and iPod touch that will deliver, among other things, subtle interface changes to Safari and a new version of the company's App Store application.

The update, expected to be released next month, has thus far shown no signs of including support for background push notification —a feature original promised for September, but pushed back slightly as development remains a work-in-progress.

Safari

People familiar with the first beta of version 2.2 have reported a handful of smaller changes, however, such as a redesign of Safari's address bar that presents web page titles more clearly.

It also sports a relocation of the Google search field, which is now displayed to the right of the URL field by default. Under existing versions of the iPhone OS, users must tap the address bar to reveal Google search capability.

iPhone Software v2.1 (left) compared to iPhone Software v2.2 (right).

App Store

Separately, developers have also noted a couple of changes to the App Store application shipping with the first beta of iPhone Software 2.2.

Among them is a new categories page that will feature large category icons —not yet functional —and more generous spacing between each listing.

iPhone Software v2.1 (left) compared to iPhone Software v2.2 (right).

Apple is also reported to have tweaked display pages for individual applications, shifting the "Tell a Friend" option from the title bar to just below the reviews summary, and adding a "Report a Problem" function that will allow shoppers to inform the company of problematic apps.

iPhone Software v2.1 (left) compared to iPhone Software v2.2 (right).

The changes to the App Store application remain a work-in-progress and are likely to be influenced by ongoing modifications to the App Store as a whole, several of which were covered earlier today.